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Testing for Knowledge

In education and training we spend a lot of time and effort testing for knowledge. Some of it is even around application of knowledge. But here’s the rub. Knowing and doing are two very different things. I think it goes with the comment, if you’re so smart why aren’t you rich?

We see it all the time we’re someone does good on the test and poorly on the job and vice versa. Many people think this is all about test anxiety. In reality, it’s because of the major difference between knowing and doing.

Also knowledge tests are rarely about speed and fluency. In the classroom you have time to answer questions, on the job you need to respond quickly.

So two suggestions. If you need to do knowledge tests, put a fast time limit on it so it mirrors the pace of the job. Second, dump the knowledge tests and replace them with expert on the job observation.

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Interesting read … also more testing needs to be done by hands-on experts … the actual workers who apply or use the knowledge on the job … and not just by professional testers or professional testing programs.

Professional testing programs tend to be … so academic in their approach!

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This blog is focused on anything related to learning faster. From time to time, I'll be posting about my book Learning Paths: Increase profits by reducing the time it takes to get up-to-speed (Pfeiffer 2004).
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